At the 2013 Salon International de l'Auto in Geneva, Hyundai will unveil its Grand Santa Fe –the company’s E-segment extended wheelbase SUV.

Joining the already-successful New Generation Santa Fe, the new model further demonstrates Hyundai’s SUV expertise and heritage. To meet the region’s demand for a long wheelbase version, Grand Santa Fe was designed alongside the regular model from the earliest stages. This approach has ensured that the eye-catching design, influenced by the company’s ‘Storm Edge’ form language, is successfully applied to both models.

Grand Santa Fe was first seen at the 2012 New York International Show, but a European variant has been developed specially for the region. The ride and handling characteristics have been adjusted to deliver a more damped, responsive driving experience expected by European buyers.

Grand Santa Fe is taller (+ 10 mm), wider (+ 5 mm) and longer (+ 225 mm) due to an enlarged wheelbase (+100 mm) and now also yields a best-in-class 607-litre cargo capacity. The larger model also offers either a six- or seven-seat configuration, giving passengers space and comfort on even the longest journeys.

A single and carefully-matched powertrain is offered - the powerful Euro5-compliant, 2,2-litre ‘R’ VGT diesel engine. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, it produces 197 ps, while emitting only 192 g/km of CO2 on the European combined cycle.

Hyundai has also fitted the cabin with a high standard of specification – including the company’s three-mode steering system, FLEX STEER, a 4,3-inch TFT Supervision Cluster and a vehicle-length panoramic sunroof with no centre beam –offering a more pleasurable environment for long journeys.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO at Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “The addition of Grand Santa Fe to the Hyundai portfolio will help meet the rising demand for E-segment SUV models in Europe. Grand Santa Fe upholds the company’s tradition of offering high levels of quality and standard specification, without the premium price. A powerful-yet-efficient engine, European-tuned chassis and the ability to accommodate people and luggage makes Grand Santa Fe the ideal choice for large families.”

The Hyundai press conference takes place at 11:30 CET on Tuesday 5 March. Hyundai’s booth is located in Hall 1, stand number 1040.

Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Co. has grown into the Hyundai Motor Group, with more than two dozen auto-related subsidiaries and affiliates. Hyundai Motor -- which has seven manufacturing bases outside of South Korea including Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, India, Russia, Turkey and the U.S. -- sold 4.4 million vehicles globally in 2012. Hyundai Motor, which employs over 80,000 worldwide, offers a full line-up of products including small to large passenger vehicles, SUVs and commercial vehicles. Further information about Hyundai Motor and its products is available at www.hyundai.com.

About Hyundai Motor Europe

The company designs, engineers and manufactures cars in Europe, specifically for European consumers. In 2012, Hyundai achieved European sales of 444.000 units, taking a new-car market share of 3,5%. Almost 95% of the vehicles Hyundai sells in the region are designed, engineered and tested in Europe. And more than 70% are built at its two local factories (Czech Republic and Turkey), including New Generation i30, which is shortlisted for Europe’s 2013 Car of the Year award. Hyundai sells cars in 28 European countries across 2.500 outlets.

Hyundai offers its unique, Europe-only, Five Year Triple Care warranty package with all new cars sold in the region, providing customers with a five-year warranty with no mileage limit, five years of roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks.

More information about Hyundai Motor Europe and its products is available at www.hyundai.com/eu.